Here a roundup of today's reviews and articles, including Core i7-4960X Ivy Bridge-E Roughly 10% Faster than i7-3970X, I'm Watch: A Smartwatch Review, Using PHP5-FPM With Apache2 On OpenSUSE 12.3, Acer Iconia W510 Tablet: A Tale Of Intel Vs. ARM And Acer Vs. Apple, and XFX Black DD Radeon 7790 1075M Boost reviewed



Core i7-4960X "Ivy Bridge-E" Roughly 10% Faster than i7-3970X: Early Tests @ techPowerUp

PC enthusiast "Toppc" with the Coolaler.com, with access to a Core i7 "Ivy Bridge-E" sample clocked to match specifications of the Core i7-4960X, wasted no time in comparing the chip to a Core i7-3970X "Sandy Bridge-E." The two chips share a common socket LGA2011 design, and run on motherboards with Intel X79 Express chipset. An MSI X79A-GD45 Plus, with V17.1 BIOS was used to run the two chips. Among the tests Toppc put the chip through, are overclocker favorites SuperPi mod 1.6, CPU Mark '99, WPrime 1.63, Cinebench 11.5, 3DMark Vantage (CPU score), and 3DMark 06 (CPU score).

The Ivy Bridge-E chip outperformed its predecessor by roughly 5-10 percent across the board. In Cinebench, the i7-4960X scored 10.94 points in comparison to the i7-3970X' 10.16; SuperPi 32M was crunched by the i7-4960X in 9m 22.6s compared to the 9m 55.4s of the i7-3970X; CPU Mark scores between the two are 561 vs. 533, respectively; 3DMark Vantage CPU score being 38,644 points vs. 35,804, respectively; and 3DMark 06 scores 8,586 points vs. 8,099 points, respectively. In WPrime, the i7-4960X crunched 32M in 4.601s, compared to its predecessor's 5.01s. Below are the test screenshots, please note that they're high-resolution images, so please open each in a new tab.

Read more: Core i7-4960X "Ivy Bridge-E" Roughly 10% Faster than i7-3970X: Early Tests @ techPowerUp

CM Storm Control-RX Mousepad Review @ ThinkComputers.org

Right up front I'm going to tell you that I am pretty excited about this mousepad. The CM Storm Control-RX is one of two mousepads that we recently received from Cooler Master. (The other being the Power-RX so look for that review soon). The Control-RX seems to be a gamers dream mousepad but we will have to see. As I have said before in a previous review, I don't really care about the surface that I use when gaming but after using this mousepad for a week, I think my view has changed. First off the mousepad is HUGE and it is also extremely smooth. I've never personally seen anything like it. The Control-RX is geared towards low DPI gamers that need that ability to have precise movement. The smooth Lycra surface gives you zero drag when moving across the surface of the mousepad.

Read more: CM Storm Control-RX Mousepad Review @ ThinkComputers.org

i'm Watch: A Smartwatch Review @ TechwareLabs

The smartwatch is still a relatively new concept, and I only say that because their availability, functionality, and technology arent quite there yet for them to appear on the must have list of many consumers. However, we are seeing more and more companies throw their hat into the smartwatch ring (Apple, Microsoft, etc), and this could lead to yet another phenomenon. So, when we got word that we had a smartwatch coming in for review, I was pretty excited to get my hands on it and see what it could do. Today we will be taking a look at the im Watch by an Italian based company called im SpA.

Read more: i'm Watch: A Smartwatch Review @ TechwareLabs

Synology VS240HD Review @ Vortez

Synology are a firm favourite for Network Attached Storage (NAS). We have reviewed a multitude of Synology’s NAS product lines over the years and it’s fair to say we are a big fan, but the much respected NAS isn’t the only product Synology produce.

Today we will be taking a look at a new product to grace Synology’s Surveillance category, namely the VS240HD. VS240HD is a high-performance surveillance solution purpose-built for ease of multi-channel viewing. It can accommodate up to 24 cameras and offers PC-less functionality.

We have recently started reviewing IP cameras so today’s review should be a nice accompaniment – let’s waste no further time and begin our review of VS240HD.

Read more: Synology VS240HD Review @ Vortez

Silverstone Redline RL04 Mid-Tower Computer Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion

The same could be said for building a new computer, first you start the tedious process of picking all the parts that you want to use that will fit in your budget. One of those choices of course is the chassis that you want to use and there are many considerations to make from functional features to how it looks. In the end you put all those parts together and if all goes well you have a beautiful and functional piece of equipment. I always get satisfaction admiring my handy work when I build a PC for myself or a friend.

The Silverstone Redline RL04 is one chassis choice on the market and has a mid-tower form factor. The Silverstone RL04 features a plastic and mesh front panel with SECC steel used from the main body of the case. They have priced this to be budget friendly but have some of the aggressive styling that is expected from a higher priced case. The front panel supports four 5.25” drive bays and has two USB 3.0 ports, a microphone jack, and headphone jack. Cooling is designed to use positive pressure with a single 120mm fan as intake in the front of the case. Removable dust filters are provided for both the bottom PSU vent and the top vents.

Read more: Silverstone Redline RL04 Mid-Tower Computer Case Review @ Hi Tech Legion

Samsung Galaxy S 4 Review - Part 1 @ Anandtech

Its no secret that Samsung enjoyed huge success with Galaxy S 3. In many markets, SGS3 was easily the Android handset to beat, even as faster and arguably better hardware became available during the life of its product cycle. Samsung nailed the branding, marketing, and consistency battles with its third generation of Galaxy smartphone, and now we’re a year later and facing down SGS4.

There's always that question about how you follow up something that was wildly successful with another product, and carry over what was good about the previous generation that made it successful. There's no denying that Samsung is in an interesting position here, facing opposition from players desperate to get more market share against the now well-established player that is Samsung. At the same time Galaxy S 4 is by very name an iterative product. How does SGS4 stack up? Read on to find out. 

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S 4 Review - Part 1 @ Anandtech

Using PHP5-FPM With Apache2 On OpenSUSE 12.3 @ Howtoforge

This tutorial shows how you can install an Apache2 webserver on an OpenSUSE 12.3 server with PHP5 (through PHP-FPM) and MySQL support. PHP-FPM (FastCGI Process Manager) is an alternative PHP FastCGI implementation with some additional features useful for sites of any size, especially busier sites.

Read more: Using PHP5-FPM With Apache2 On OpenSUSE 12.3 @ Howtoforge

Corsair CX Series Modular CX600M 600 W @ techPowerUp

Corsair decided to enrich their mainstream CX series with new units that feature modular cables. Today, we will test the fresh CX600M going for only a few more bucks than its non-modular CX600 counterpart. The "M" specification will most likely have many users pick the new unit over the non-modular version, despite the slight price increase.

Read more: Corsair CX Series Modular CX600M 600 W @ techPowerUp

Logitech G100s Gaming Mouse Review @ Techgage

Logitech’s G100s might occupy the lowest rung on the company’s new G Series line of gaming peripherals ladder, but don’t let its price and that market positioning fool you. As with many great songs, sometimes a stripped-down rendition is the best way to go. Is the same true of the G100s? Read on and find out!

Read more: Logitech G100s Gaming Mouse Review @ Techgage

ROCCAT Isku FX Gaming Keyboard Review @ Neoseeker

Several weeks ago, we came across two excellent mice dubbed the Kone XTD and Kone Pure from a German-based company named ROCCAT. Combining superior build quality and comfort with a staggering number of software options, they earned our Editor's Choice Award. However, there were two features that we were unfortunately unable to fully test: ROCCAT Talk and ROCCAT Talk FX.

When using multiple compatible devices, ROCCAT Talk enables inter-device communication for functions such as Easy-Shift[+]. It's essentially a 'Function' key that gives secondary functions to certain keyboard keys and mouse buttons. ROCCAT Talk FX builds on this connection by allowing synchronized lighting between compatible devices that reacts to onscreen actions, such with low health triggering red lighting across all linked devices. Today, ROCCAT has sent us the compatible ROCCAT Isku FX keyboard for review, so we will be able test these features in conjunction with the ROCCAT Kone XTD for some cross-peripheral Talking.

Like many of ROCCAT's other products, this keyboard was designed with the gamer in mind. Thus we see plenty of familiar features such as programmable macro keys, active profile switching, dedicated media keys, and unique functionality such as Easy-Zone and 16.8-million color lighting.

Read more: ROCCAT Isku FX Gaming Keyboard Review @ Neoseeker

Acer Iconia W510 Tablet: A Tale Of Intel Vs. ARM And Acer Vs. Apple @ Tom's Hardware

Some folks still say that the x86 ISA will never catch up to ARM when it comes to efficiency. Our granular power analysis demonstrates just how efficient x86-based CPUs can be, though. But how does Intel compete when we dig deeper into user experience?

Read more: Acer Iconia W510 Tablet: A Tale Of Intel Vs. ARM And Acer Vs. Apple @ Tom's Hardware

XFX Black DD Radeon 7790 1075M Boost reviewed @ Fudzilla

AMD recently introduced the HD 7790, its first Bonaire-based card which fits snugly in between the HD 7770 and HD 7850, not to mention a couple of Nvidia cards. The new Bonaire GPU is a 28nm CGN part, optimized for superior power efficiency.

The specs have low-mid-range written all over them. Compared to Pitcairn Pro (HD 7850), Bonaire (HD 7790) comes with fewer stream processors (1024 compared to 896), fewer texture units (64 compared to 56), a narrower memory interface (256-bit compared to 128-bit) and fewer ROPs (30 ROPs compared to 16 ROPs). As we can see, the memory interface is a lot weaker than the HD 7850, but this shortcoming is partially offset by the use of speedy 6Gbps GDDR5 memory.

The Radeon HD 7770 also has a 128-bit memory interface, but it uses slower 4.5Gbps GDDR5, memory. Hence, its memory bandwidth is 72GB/s, compared to 96GB/s on the HD 7790. The rest of the specs, such as 640 stream processors and 40 texture units, are also behind the HD 7790.

Read more: XFX Black DD Radeon 7790 1075M Boost reviewed @ Fudzilla

Thermaltake Chaser A41 Mid-Tower Chassis Review @ Funky Kit

The A31 isn't the only new fish in the sea. Also making an appearance in the Chaser category is the A41 mid-tower case. At first glance, it might simply look like an upgraded A31 which isn't really inaccurate, and it makes sense that it would be. But don't take my word for it, let's see what it's got.

Read more: Thermaltake Chaser A41 Mid-Tower Chassis Review @ Funky Kit

AMD Radeon HD 7990 6GB Review @ Hexus

AMD's graphics department has had a lot in common with the British weather this year. A lack of new hardware announcements has left enthusiasts cold and the release of a mid-range card, Radeon HD 7790, hasn't done much to dispel the growing sense of unease at the lack of brand-new architectures.

In concert with the weather warming up nicely the last week or so, AMD is also heating up its Radeon line-up with the release of a super-high-end card called the Radeon HD 7990 6GB. Hold on a second, you might say, as offshoots from the TUL Corporation already have such cards in stores, while ASUS goes further with the ARES II dual-GPU offering.
And you'd be right to think that HD 7990 - codenamed Malta - has been done before, numerous times, but, finally, AMD is ready to show the enthusiasts how to do it properly... and in the process let other add-in card partners forego the research and development needed to engineer a veritable beastie.

Read more: AMD Radeon HD 7990 6GB Review @ Hexus

Enermax Hoplite ST Gaming Tower Review @ Proclockers

Enermax once again called on us to review their newest case in the market. The case we will be taking a look at today will be the recently released Hoplite ST gaming chassis. This new case shares its name with another case from Enermax which was simply called Hoplite. The new ST version sports a new front fascia design and some new features making it ideal for those that want to move out of their dated case and into something more modern.

The Hoplite ST is perfect for a gamer and enthusiast that wants a gaming style tower but not looking to go overboard with the theme or design. Made with a generous amount of mesh and plastic, the Hoplite fits a gamers' need but does it in a more simplistic form. It also addresses what a typical gamer needs in their build such as plenty of space for

Read more: Enermax Hoplite ST Gaming Tower Review @ Proclockers

Silverstone Heligon Series HE01 CPU Cooler Review @ Proclockers

We have featured a few of the coolers made by Silverstone in the past. They have been top-notch when it comes to quality and build. But of the few we have tested, we have not been able to get a hold of one that is supposed to be a top performer regardless of the class. That is about to change with the new Heligon series of air-coolers.

The Heligon series currently consist of just two coolers, HE01 which we are reviewing here to today and the HE02. We all know that in order to be put into the top tier of coolers, it has to have twin towers and the HE01 has that. Also, in order to be classified as a premium cooler it has to include a performance fan and the HE01 has that also. Lastly, in order to be a best-selling cooler, it has to build with quality parts using the best technology and we all know Silverstone has that.

Now that we have lain out what it takes to be a top air-cooler in this business, the next step is putting it all together. We see these characteristics in the new HE01, well on paper anyways. But like everything that comes through the Pro-Clocker lab, we have to put it on the bench to really see if it measures up and in order to see where this cooler stack up against the best ones we have ever tested. So, we will be testing it against the closed loop water-cooling units we have tested just recently.

Read more: Silverstone Heligon Series HE01 CPU Cooler Review @ Proclockers